McDonald 48
McDonald used a stingy defense, and a multitude of offensive weapons as they clinched the ITCL Lower Title Championship and an OHSAA home playoff game next week. The Devils were able to both run and pass the ball effectively as they completed back-to-back undefeated seasons.
Crestview 31
Carter Hill, and Adam Britton lead the Rebels to bounce back from a disappointing loss last week. The win clinches the ITCL Upper Tier Championship and a home playoff game next Friday night against an opponent to be named.
Mineral Ridge 18
The Rams took advantage of numerous Bulldog mistakes as they converted a blocked punt and a turnover into points that proved to be the difference in the game. Shane Peterson had a tremendous performance for the Dogs and Dan Skiba of the Rams made a one-handed catch to get the Rams out of bad field position late in the game that may have decided the contest.
Western Reserve 58
Shane Ewing lead an offensive explosion by the Devils as they improved to 9-1 on the season and sole possession of second place in the Lower Tier. They may also wrapped up a playoff appearance depending on a couple other games. The loss snapped a five game winning streak by the Rockets and crushed any playoff hopes they may have wished for.
Columbiana 20
The Clippers used a tenacious defense to shut out the Raiders as the Raiders finished with a losing record for the first time in 14-years. The Clippers have clinched a home playoff game next Saturday with an opponent to be named later.
Crestview and McDonald wrap league titles as they both won against very tough opponents. The Rebels beat Springfield 31-14, while the Deveils turned back the Leetonia Bears 48-7. Congratulations to both for the outstanding season and winning back-to-back league championship. That is something that is truely spectacular.
Columbiana has probably locked up a home playoff game and a share of second place in the ITCL as they downed the South Range Raiders 20-0, and the Mineral Ridge played a spirited game against East Palestine to win a 18-15 nail bitter to grap a share of second place in the Upper Tier. They may also sneak into the OHSAA playoffs depending on some other games in the Region.
Western Reserve has also given themselves a shot at the playoffs as they exploded against Lowellville 58-14 and wrapped up second place in the ITCL Lower Tier. The Devils should gain a playoff appearance unless some unusual things occur in Region 21.
In some other game from around the league, United is possibly the hottest team in the league as they have won four in a row as they beat rival Lisbon 41-14. Jackson-Milton finished strong with two consecutive wins as they downed Southern 21-14, and Wellsville bounced back to knock off Sebring 31-14 to finish the year with an impressive 7-3 record.
With the regular season over, the ITCL may see as many as six teams in the OHSAA playoffs, or as little as four. The league will now get ready for the post-season or a "NEW" season. It will be intense, thrilling, and exciting. Make sure to check out our coverage next week in the OHSAA tournament.